By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to attend the ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu touched down in Tokyo early Tuesday (local time) for the high-level summit.
The President will join other African leaders, development partners, and stakeholders at the influential international forum.
The event which will be held from Aug. 20 to Aug. 22 at the Pacifico Yokohama, will serve as a strategic platform for the President to strengthen and attract Asian investors to Nigeria.
President Tinubu was received at the Presidential Wing of the Haneda International Airport, Tokyo, by Amb. Hideo Matsubara, the Ambassador in charge of Haneda Airport for TICAD.
Also present were Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials from the Nigerian Embassy after the plane touched down at 00:50 am local time.
Initiated by the Japanese government, TICAD is co-hosted by the UN, UNDP, African Union Commission, and the World Bank.
The triennial summit alternates between Japan and Africa, with Tunisia hosting the last edition.
TICAD9 is themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” focusing on economic transformation through innovation and private investment.
It also aims to foster a resilient and sustainable African society rooted in peace, stability, and human security.
During the conference, President Tinubu will hold bilateral meetings and participate in high-profile meetings with the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu’s participation in TICAD9 marks his first official visit to Japan since assuming office in May 2023, a milestone in his foreign diplomacy.
His participation signals Nigeria’s commitment to deeper ties with Japan, leveraging innovation and strategic collaboration at TICAD9.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
